The Founding and Early Years of the Nazi Party

The Nazi Party, officially known as the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP), was founded in 1920. This event marked the beginning of a tumultuous era in German history. By diving into the formation and early years of the NSDAP, we can gain a deeper understanding of how this party grew to become a dominant force in Germany before and during World War II.

Historical Context and founding

The Nazi Party traces its origins to the German Workers' Party (Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, DAP), which was established in Munich, Germany, on January 5, 1919. This party was created by Anton Drexler, a German railway worker who had also been involved in several other worker's parties. The DAP had humble beginnings and initially focused on collecting information and propaganda against the Bavarian government, the Treaty of Versailles, and the inflow of political refugees from the Eastern front.

One year later, in 1920, the DAP underwent significant changes. The party name was altered to the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (NSDAP), and a new program was drafted. This marks the formal founding date of the future Nazi Party. However, it is important to note that Adolf Hitler did not found the party. He joined it as a member, obtaining membership number 7, and rose to become its leader in 1921.

Early Membership and Leadership

Hitler joined the DAP on October 1, 1919, fulfilling a long-standing dream to become a politician. As a member of the DAP, Hitler participated in mounting a failed coup, known as the Beer Hall Putsch, in 1923. Although the coup failed, Hitler was released from jail in 1924 that the NSDAP was repressed after this event, Hitler decided to re-establish the party in February 1925. This new iteration of the party was not the same as the one that had been banned earlier.

Following his release, Hitler was determined to rebuild the party and employ legal strategies to circumvent the restrictions on it. He established the NSDAP with the goal of aligning with the constitution but using legal means to challenge it from within. In May 1933, shortly after Hitler became Chancellor, the NSDAP succeeded in taking over the German government and implementing its policies according to the principles outlined in “Mein Kampf”.

Key Ideologies and Early Policies

The NSDAP's platform evolved significantly over the years. In its early stages, the party adopted exclusionary policies targeting non-Aryans, especially Jews. The party's manifesto, "Mein Kampf," outlined the ideology that incorporated anti-Semitism, racial superiority, and a desire for territorial expansion. The party's membership requirements were extremely stringent, demanding purity of Aryan lineage and prohibiting any form of interracial relationships or marriage.

Despite its small size in its initial years, the NSDAP managed to gain prominence through strategic alliances and clever propaganda. In the 1930s, they formed an electoral alliance with other small antisemitic parties, which propelled them to the forefront of the German political landscape. They successfully challenged the Young Plan, a reparations and disarmament plan set by the League of Nations, further establishing their influence.

Conclusion

While the NSDAP was officially founded in 1920, it took several years for the party to emerge as a major political force in Germany. Adolf Hitler's role in the establishment and eventual rise of the Nazi Party is a complex topic that involves both his strategic leadership and the broader historical context of the post-World War I era. Understanding the early years of the NSDAP provides insight into the foundation of one of the most consequential political movements in modern history.